Police searching for man who scaled fence, escaped from Somerset County Jail

MADISON, Maine — A Skowhegan man with less than a month left on his sentence escaped from Somerset County Jail on Monday afternoon, according to the jail administrator.

Skowhegan and Madison police, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department and Maine State Police are searching for 20-year-old Dylan Perkins. A K-9 unit was also called in, Allen said.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, police still had not found Perkins, according to Somerset County Det. Lt. Carl E. Gottardi II.

Perkins, a minimum security inmate, was unloading a truck with other inmates when he ran away. He scaled a fence and ran into the woods around 1 p.m.

“We have a truck that comes in and unloads goods to the kitchen,” said Major David Allen, Somerset County Jail administrator. “Given his [minimum security] status, he unloads those trucks. While unloading the trucks he took off on foot.”

Allen said one security guard is responsible for monitoring the inmates. After Perkins ran off, the guard called the escape in.

Perkins “went up and over a 15-foot-[high] fence. The fence is in a nonsecurity area with no razor wire,” said Allen. “He did make it into the woods.”

Allen said they have some good leads but had been unable to find Perkins.

“We had our K-9 unit and state police K-9 out and checking where he reportedly fled and where he was seen,” said Gottardi. “We cleared those areas and had a couple good tracks.”

Gottardi said the K-9 search was called off, but a state police airplane was used.

Perkins was brought in to Somerset County Jail on April 29 after having his probation revoked for eluding a police officer. He was set to be released on July 27.

“Now he’s facing a felony escape charge with up to five years in prison,” said Allen.

Gottardi asked for the public’s assistance in finding Perkins.

“If anyone has any information regarding his location, call 911 or your local police department or our anonymous tip line, 474-0230,” said Gottardi.

He also warned anyone who might help Perkins elude police.

“We’re cautioning people that he is a wanted person and anyone who assists him may face possible charges of hindering apprehension or prosecution,” said Gottardi.

Allen described Perkins as a white male with blond hair and hazel eyes. He’s 5-foot-8 and weighs 150 pounds.